Yes. Immigrants with an immigration status that is eligible for enrollment may continue to purchase health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace, commonly known as Obamacare.

However, beginning January 1, 2027, being lawfully present in the United States will not, by itself, be enough to receive federal financial assistance. Among noncitizens, only people in one of the following categories may be considered for the Premium Tax Credit, advance payments of that credit (APTC), and Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSR):

• lawful permanent residents, also known as Green Card holders;
• people officially classified as Cuban/Haitian entrants;
• people lawfully residing in the United States under the COFA agreements involving the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau.

In addition to immigration status, applicants must still meet the program’s other requirements, such as household income, household composition, availability of employer-sponsored coverage, and other eligibility rules. Depending on the circumstances, people with other lawfully present statuses may still be allowed to purchase a Marketplace plan, but without federal subsidies beginning in 2027.

DACA recipients have not been eligible for Marketplace coverage since August 25, 2025.

“Lawfully present” is the classification used by the Marketplace to identify certain noncitizens who may be eligible to enroll in a health insurance plan.

This category may include, among others, lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylees, people with TPS, certain parolees, holders of valid work, student, or exchange visas, certain people with employment authorization, trafficking victims, VAWA beneficiaries, and people with other humanitarian or immigration classifications recognized by the Marketplace. Eligibility depends on the person’s specific status and the documentation provided.

Important 2027 rule: the list of people considered lawfully present and allowed to purchase a plan is broader than the list of people who may receive federal financial assistance. Therefore, someone may be permitted to enroll through the Marketplace but may not qualify for the Premium Tax Credit or reductions in deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.

For 2027 plans, the Marketplace must also verify that a noncitizen belongs to one of the immigration categories authorized to receive a subsidy.

According to currently published federal guidance, obtaining coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace or receiving financial assistance for which a person is legally eligible does not cause that person to be considered a public charge. HealthCare.gov also states that using Marketplace coverage or programs that help pay for insurance does not, by itself, harm the process of obtaining lawful permanent residence.

The 2027 changes affect who may receive the federal subsidy, but they do not make Marketplace coverage or an authorized Premium Tax Credit a public charge. The application must contain accurate information, and the benefit should be used only after the Marketplace confirms the person’s eligibility.

“Under current federal guidance, the Marketplace and the Premium Tax Credit are not considered public charge benefits. However, questions concerning a specific immigration case should be reviewed by an immigration attorney.”

Yes. Families whose members have different immigration statuses may apply for Health Insurance Marketplace coverage for those who are eligible. This means that some family members may qualify for a health plan while others may not.

Example: parents who are not eligible may apply for coverage for their U.S.-citizen children or other dependents with an eligible immigration status.

Not always. Depending on your circumstances and eligibility, you may be able to apply for coverage using other documents accepted by the Health Insurance Marketplace. Our team can explain which documents will be required in your case.

It may be possible. Depending on your arrival date, immigration status, and eligibility, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), which allows you to enroll in a plan outside the annual enrollment period. Our team can review your situation and check the options available to you.

The cost of a plan is calculated using several factors, including age, place of residence, household size, household income, the type of plan selected, and eligibility for financial assistance (Premium Tax Credit). Tobacco use may also affect the monthly premium.

For this reason, two people or families may receive different prices even if they choose the same plan. Our team can compare the available options and help you find coverage that best fits your budget and needs.

The Premium Tax Credit is financial assistance offered by the federal government to eligible people who purchase health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace. In most cases, this benefit is paid in advance to reduce the monthly premium the customer pays to the insurance company.

The amount depends on factors such as household income, household size, and other eligibility rules. At the end of the year, the credit received is reconciled on the federal income tax return based on the income actually earned.

Yes. Anyone who receives the Premium Tax Credit must file a federal income tax return to reconcile the benefit received with the household income actually earned during the year.

If the income reported on the application changes during the year, it is important to update that information with the Health Insurance Marketplace. This helps prevent differences in the benefit amount and possible adjustments on the tax return.

Married people who receive the Premium Tax Credit generally must file a joint return (Married Filing Jointly). Exceptions apply in certain situations; if you have questions about your case, contact our team and we will assist you.

You can apply for health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace during Open Enrollment, the annual enrollment period. In certain situations, you may also apply outside that period through a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) after a qualifying life event, such as losing other coverage, moving, getting married, having a child, or another event recognized under Marketplace rules.

Our team can check whether you are within an enrollment period or qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

It depends on the network of the plan you select. Before enrolling, it is important to verify whether your doctor, hospital, clinic, and pharmacy participate in the plan’s network. Keep in mind that the same insurance company may offer different plans with different networks.

Our team can help you verify whether your preferred providers and facilities participate in the network of the plan you are considering.

Health Insurance Marketplace plans cover major health care needs, including doctor visits, specialists, tests, hospital stays, emergency care, prescription drugs, preventive services, maternity care, mental health services, and other essential health benefits required by law. Costs and how the coverage is used vary according to the plan selected.

Yes. Health Insurance Marketplace plans cover medical emergencies. The amount you pay for care will depend on your plan’s terms, including the deductible, copays, coinsurance, and annual out-of-pocket maximum.

Our team can help you compare plans and understand how these costs work before you enroll.

The best option depends on your health care needs, budget, and how often you use medical services.

In general, Bronze plans tend to have lower monthly premiums and higher costs when you use the plan. Gold plans usually have higher monthly premiums but may require you to pay a smaller share of the cost of care. Silver plans may be an excellent option for people who, depending on their income, qualify for additional benefits such as Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSR).

More important than choosing the plan with the lowest premium is finding the option that offers the best balance of cost, coverage, provider network, and expenses when you need care. Our team can help you compare the available options and identify the one that best fits your needs.

Not always. A plan with a lower monthly premium may have higher costs when you use the coverage, such as deductibles, copays, and coinsurance, as well as a different provider network.

Before choosing a plan, it is important to consider not only the monthly premium but also the network of doctors and hospitals, prescription drug coverage, costs when using the plan, and the annual out-of-pocket maximum. Our team can help you compare options and find the plan that offers the best value for your situation.

In general, you can switch plans during Open Enrollment or after a qualifying life event that makes you eligible for a Special Enrollment Period. Our team can explain when a change is allowed and which options will be available.